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OUR PROJECT 3

Injuries happen in all relationships. You can hurt each other even when you didn’t want to. Whether a broken relationship heals or follows a downward spiral depends on how you respond. Some couples can work through hurts fairly quickly. They talk about what upset them so they both understand whatRead More

Having a partner you can talk to about anything feels wonderful. You may find yourself thinking, “This must be real love.” How do you know it’s true love? One day you may need comfort. Another day, you may need to rant. You may need help getting a meal ready, orRead More

We want closeness. But all couples fight sometimes. The biggest mistake in a relationship isn’t having arguments. What gets couples in big trouble is avoiding the emotions involved. Couples can create closer emotional connection with each other, or drive themselves apart. It depends on the way they share emotions. YouRead More

Scene from a Pursuer Distancer Relationship: Partner 1: I wish you would pick up your stuff in the living room! Partner 2: Yeah? Well, between walking the dog, paying the bills, and working all day, I didn’t get to it. Partner 1: But it’s your stuff! I don’t want toRead More

Here is how Mark and Elena used to spend time together: Here are Mark and Elena now, enjoying a moment of emotional connection: What’s the difference? Mark and Elena noticed a distance that wasn’t there before. So they did something about it. Ever feel like your relationship is a littleRead More

Each of us has a basic human need for love. The need for a secure bond is hardwired in us from birth. But we are not born knowing how to express our emotional needs in words. We need to learn about meeting needs in a relationship. Meeting our needs for emotionalRead More

When love is new, needing each other feels great. Being with someone who’s fun, sexy, kind and upbeat feels terrific. Wanting love and friendship like this is natural and human. Sharing your fun side is easy. But learning to see and express needs in a relationship triggers many of theRead More

Wonder what being grounded means? A belief is “grounded in reality.” A fact is “grounded in science.” What is a grounded person? Being grounded means you feel at home with yourself. You are present and at peace in your own skin. In psychotherapy grounding techniques are “any techniques which are usedRead More

Do you have places you like to go, just because it feels good to be there? We thought about the places that make us smile when we visit. These are our personal choices. They don’t cost anything. They aren’t complicated. They are close to Alexandria, Virginia, where we work. EnjoyRead More

Love feels so good when it starts, it’s hard to imagine feeling any other way. But if your loved one says two nice things and one criticism about you, guess what sticks in your mind? Humans naturally focus on what’s wrong. It’s called the negativity bias. It’s likely a survivalRead More